Read Online The Patriot Girl by Toni Lynn Cloutier - Free Book Online

could lose a few pounds and get more exercise if he was going to outlive her. Without him, she would be lost.
    She glanced at the seven o’clock hour on the cartoon watch Alex had given her for a birthday gift eight years ago.
    Stopping by No Bulls on her way home crossed her mind. It’d been twenty-four hours since her dinner with Dustin and there were a few things she could go over with him. Already she wished tonight was Friday.
    She caught the end of her father’s remark. “Excuse me?”
    Since she’d met Dustin, her mind wandered to what he might be doing all the time. Breathing became difficult when his image occupied her mind. The memory of his scent assaulted her nostrils as if he were beside her. Focusing on anything these days became a chore. Somehow he had even managed to distract her from her father.
    “Who is he?”
    Those weren’t the last syllables she’d heard. There was no use in trying to talk circles around what was on her mind. Her dad would ask a million questions until he got the answers he wanted. In fact, maybe he could shed some light on the whole business/pleasure thing. “He’s a new client.”
    “Client?”
    “I’m starting my own PR business. I needed something to keep me busy while Alex is away. Anyway, this guy owns the nightclub near my house. I’m hoping to get him to sign a three-month contract tomorrow night.”
    David set the pretzel bowl on the table, hit the off button on the remote, and then swigged his beer. Whenever Dad turned off the television, MaKayla knew she was in for a heart-to-heart.
    He slapped his hands together. “Tell me what’s going on.”
    She leaned back and stared at the gray ceiling. Her father understood her better than anyone. That’s why she always came running to him whenever she needed to sort things out.
    “Life is changing so fast. I hope I’m doing the right thing.”
    “You never know if it’s the right thing unless you try, Mackey. If this is what you want, then go for it. Your mother and I are always here if you need us. You go with your heart on this and your head will follow. Tell me about this client .”
    She sat up straight. “He seems nice. Handsome. Makes me laugh. Literally takes my breath away whenever I’m with him—so much so that I’m not sure if I can do business with him. But I need a start. I’m struggling to keep my feelings—”
    David chuckled. “Mixing business with pleasure? That’s how I ended up with your mother.” He chuckled again. “Best thing that ever happened to me. Love only comes around when you least expect it. If you want a relationship, don’t think you can’t have both. You deserve both, Mackey.”
    “Right now I need the business. I don’t know much about this man except for how I feel—and that he’s willing to give me a shot.”
    Alex entered the room. “Hey, Grandpa.”
    “There’s my college boy.” David stood and embraced his grandson. “You all set to go?”
    “Sure am.”
    “Good.” David retrieved his wallet from his back pocket and handed Alex some money. “You need anymore, you let me know.”
    “Thanks.” Alex gave him a hug.
    MaKayla stood. “I’ll leave you two to talk. Alex drove his own car so he’ll be staying for a while longer. I should be getting home. I have a ton of phone calls to make and some paperwork to do.”
    She took comfort in her father’s embrace. Even at thirty-eight years of age, being in his arms still made her feel as if she could do anything—including running for President of the United States—and win.
    Then she hugged Alex. “Be careful driving home.”
    “I know. I’m going to Tammy’s after here, so I might be a little late.”
    Her mother’s voice came from the next room. She was yelling at the parrot as if she was in the kitchen with a child.
    MaKayla shook her head at her father. “Don’t you get tired of all the bickering between those two?”
    “Nope.” He smiled as if he enjoyed the banter.
    It must be how he